Thankfulness

One of our neighbors commented, there is much to be thankful for, a few Sunday’s ago and I have been reflecting on that statement and I agree most heartedly.  We have had abundant rain this summer and the grass and vegetation is lush and green.  Wild flowers and mushrooms are everywhere in a wide variety of species, which make walks very interesting.

We have had many perfect summer days, which I define as not too hot, calm and quiet.  Our garden is growing very well and the cauliflower and broccoli are especially beautiful this year.  I was picking vegetables for the Peace River Market in late July and noticed it was time to water and I thought it would be nice to have a little rain.  As I was driving home Saturday afternoon it started raining a few range roads from our farm and we had a few nice showers that afternoon.  This to me was just a little reminder that God is watching and providing us with what we need.   There is no need to worry or be anxious.

I have been selling produce at the Manning Farmers Market every Friday and the Peace River market every second Saturday and I am enjoying the experience.  I feel like I am part of the vendor family and enjoy getting to know the vendors.  They also provide tips and suggestions to help me out, which is greatly appreciated.  I have really enjoyed meeting and speaking with the customers and sharing gardening stories, as well as, recipes for various produce that is abundant and not everyone’s favorite, like swiss chard.  A friendly vendor beside me at the Peace River market said she makes lasagna with swiss chard instead of using pasta noodles; I tried it and we both enjoyed it.  Another customer told me about making salted herbs with the cilantro, dill, garlic scapes and parsley I had left over after the market.  Very nice indeed.

The first week of August we have had a lot of rain and it has been foggy most mornings.  I have been unable to weed and trim tomato plants because the garden is too wet and I only go into it to pick vegetables in order to minimize soil compaction.  I must say I am getting a little anxious about all the weeds and plant trimming that needs to be done but a little rest is in order.  I took time to photograph dew covered spider webs in the grass and shrubs that become visible on foggy mornings.  These spider webs can be seen everywhere and on these mornings I am struck by the awesomeness and beauty of nature.  

Morning Dew on a spider web